Sometimes the inspiration for an outfit can be as simple as a unique color story, a special pairing that feels daring and unique. I played around with daffodil yellow and seafoam green as a combo during the summer and just adored it. I had that same kind of thrill when I saw Summer's gorgeous flowy cabernet maxi dress set against a cobalt background...yum! Doesn't just saying the words "cabernet" and "cobalt" make you feel luxurious? ;) Red and blue is classic, of course, but the depth and intensity of these tones breathes new life into the pairing. The red is rich and dark, but not drab, while the blue is bright and clean - no dusty or washed-out shades here, please :). If you have a burgundy maxi (or midi or mini :)), try it Summer's way: with an updo and cranberry lips. Give the dress a pop with cobalt shoes and a statement necklace. Alternatively, add a cobalt scarf at your neck or waist. Cobalt earrings, along with an electric blue statement ring or belt, will do the trick too, if you are blue-shoe-less :) (In that case, finish the look with any classic neutral, or metallic). For cooler weather, consider a cobalt cardigan. Alternatively, toss a blue jacket over the top: a brilliant blue bomber, a cerulean blazer, an electric blue biker. Any of those jackets can also be over a wine tee, blouse or light sweater to do this combo sans dress. Echo the brighter blue of the jacket by choosing blue denim, or do burgundy pants. (Note: colored pants come and go as a look, but red and its variations are one color I advocate investing in, as it's a classic shade that never goes out of style). Finish with bright blue or navy shoes, or a metallic that matches the hardware of your jacket. If you're the proud owner of a cabernet jacket (you wise fashionista, you! ;)), try the same combos, but with the colors reversed. These two saturated, sumptuous colors are a fantastic pairing for transitioning into that Season Which Must Not Be Named (ok, you Autumn-Lovers: put down the pumpkin and back away from the Halloween costume ideas; fall doesn't officially start until 9/22 and I'm hell-no-won't-going until then). "Transitioning" is as much as you're going to get from me :). So, here's to transitioning and wearing cobalt and cabernet. I hope you give it a try soon! XOs